honda motorcycle parts are reborn as functional sculptural home objects

Shigeya Miyata upcycles Honda Vehicle Parts for pause series

Shigeya Miyata’s pause is a series of functional objects that upcycle discontinued Honda motorcycle components by casting them in concrete. The project explores the relationship between motion and stillness by deliberately immobilising parts originally engineered for movement. Through this process, mechanical elements are removed from their original context and reintroduced as domestic objects with new functions.

Automotive and motorcycle components are typically designed to operate in motion, while concrete acts as a static material that supports and contains structural systems. In pause, these opposing conditions are brought together by embedding precision-engineered parts into a solid concrete base, halting their original purpose and allowing alternative uses to emerge. Once fixed in place, components shift from concealed mechanical systems to visible elements, highlighting their material qualities, manufacturing accuracy, and formal characteristics.

all images courtesy of Shigeya Miyata

Mechanical elements are embedded into solid concrete forms

The project repositions motorcycle parts as everyday objects, including mirrors, vases, pen holders, and photo frames. Each object is produced by hand, with designer Shigeya Miyata overseeing the entire process from mould development to final casting. The series was developed as part of uppar, Honda’s upcycling initiative, which focuses on repurposing discontinued vehicle parts for non-automotive applications as part of a broader sustainability effort.

Due to the limited availability of the original components, all objects are produced in small editions. The mirror is available in two editions using VT1300CX parts, while the vase is produced in eleven editions made from CBR250RR components. The pen holder and photo frame are each limited to three editions, both created using RC213V-S parts.

Positioned between design and art, pause examines how value, function, and material identity can be redefined through stillness. By suspending motion and reframing engineered components within a domestic context, the project proposes an alternative approach to reuse that emphasizes material continuity, precision, and reinterpretation.

pause is a series of functional objects created by casting discontinued Honda motorcycle parts in concrete

the project explores the relationship between motion and stillness through material transformation

the mirror is produced in two editions using VT1300CX parts

mechanical parts are removed from their original automotive context

hidden motorcycle components become visible domestic objects

material qualities and manufacturing precision are brought to the surface

the vase is made in eleven editions from CBR250RR components

precision-engineered elements are embedded into solid concrete forms

original mechanical functions are suspended through casting

all objects are produced by hand from mould-making to final casting

the project was developed as part of Honda’s upcycling initiative, uppar

pen holders are limited to three editions

each object introduces an alternative use through stillness

concrete functions as a static base that halts motion

discontinued vehicle parts are repurposed for non-automotive use

photo frames come in three editions

project info:

name: pause
designer: Shigeya Miyata | @shigeya_miyata

pause mirror materials: Honda part, concrete
pause mirror dimensions: 93 x 302 mm

pause vase materials: Honda part, concrete, glass
pause vase dimensions: 72 x 272 mm

pause penholder materials: Honda part, concrete
pause penholder dimensions: 78 x 100 mm

pause photoframe materials: Honda part, concrete
pause photoframe dimensions: 150 x 102 mm

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom